The Lindbergh Ride, 2022

[gharper]

We've all arrived at Alex's shop. Stewart from Canada, Hans from So. Africa and myself from Denver. We couldn't wait to line them up! I wonder when was the last time there were 4 Series 20 Excelsiors lined up side by side!!?? 20220830_195332.jpg

[RichO]

Gene, Best shot ever! Best of luck on you trip. Excelsior nut, Rich O.

[Steve Swan]

Stunning! i wondered the same thing... coming together must feel like old home for those gorgeous machines!

[gharper]

Today we sorted spares, trying to eliminate duplication where possible. Truck is FULL and trailer is close with all 4 bikes, tools, lift, chairs, cooler etc. L to Rt: Stewart McClellan, Hans Coertse and Alex Bernhardt with 4 beautiful Series 20 Excelsiors. Loaded and ready for Davenport!
20220831_203855.jpg

[chuckthebeatertruck]

Yesterday afternoon at Davenport I hear this odd sound. . .and watch FOUR Excelsior’s roll by the grandstands with grinning riders.

well done, lads, well done.

that was a treat.

[gharper]

Thanks Chuck!!! That was anthill gor us, first time all 4 running andvroling along yogether! Much more yo follow!

We've received great compliments and good wishes fir our upcoming journey.

Bikes aRe all on display in building B, just south of the food Pavillion, until noon. We load up this afternoon and head to Madison for our start tomorrow morning.

20220901_160525.jpg20220901_160414.jpg20220901_160439.jpg20220901_152533.jpg20220901_152206.jpg

[exeric]

M0ureU.jpg

Don't forget plenty of this stuff !

Enjoy every minute of the journey, and have fun. See y'all in the South.

[jcrawford]

HAPPY "X" TRAILS to you and your riding mates Gene, and I wish you all success on this fun endurance adventure!
Cheers to you all.

[gharper]

Trailered to Madoson today and met up with our photographer John Olsen this evening for dinner. Of course that was after a few last minute parking lot adjustments.

We head out tomorrow morning , parking and unloading near the UW Engineering building for a few pictures. This is where Lindbergh was attending engineering school in 1921. A few blocks later we stop at the house where he was living with his mother at the time, maybe for a couple more shots.

From there we skirt south of downtown and head east on the Lake Mills Rd, same road he started out on. 20220902_181950.jpg20220902_182057.jpg20220902_182157.jpg

[gharper]

Well, as luck would have it.... heavy rain in Madison, then Stewart stalls, thought he was out of gas..... No, contact point came off the spring steel wiper in the mag. Tried to re-peen it but very little steel there but gained a little. JB quick weld to the rescue, for now.... 20220903_092526.jpg20220903_100423.jpg20220903_100330.jpg20220903_082057.jpg20220903_100423.jpg20220903_092526.jpg

[gharper]

Made it to our afternoon stop, Wallymart parking lot in Gurnee IL. 130 miles today with 10 or more stops, mostly to deal with oiling issues, always too much. In addition, Stewart's clutch was slipping so much the primary case was smoking like a semi on Wolf Creek pass! He opted to trailer In at about 40 miles, thinking the original clutch.plates need to be cleaned, degreased and roughed up again. His reproduction plates made up to the wrong stack height which made it difficult to get adjusted properly.

We had rain half of the day, never fun for riding!

Back to Alex's shop for maintenace,, long night coming up.

[joe fxs fxr]

Glad to hear you are getting down the road. Thanks for the updates. Good thing Lindbergh didn't have to deal with aftermarket parts that don't fit right.

[gharper]

2-4 hours sleep for us, a long night in the shop! We've been spoiled having access to Alex's great shop. From here on out, its under the canopy or in the parking lot!

LoDing up this morning and headingbyobthe site of the X factory for a few pictures, then south into indiana.. looks like more rain today...... 20220904_082112.jpg20220904_082102.jpg

[HEP301]

I was happy to welcome home the Excelsior crew! Posting a few local pictures that show the current surrounding area of the ghost of the Excelsior factory.


IMG_3884.JPG
Cortland and Lawndale pointing southwest - photo taken to give some prospective of the location where the factory once stood. Currently the half block is being occupied by the McCormick YMCA.


IMG_3867.JPG

Let’s not forget John – thanks for taking pictures along the way.


IMG_3874.JPG
Photo of back of YMCA facing northeast toward Cortland and Lawndale.

IMG_3881.JPG
Trailhead of the current 606 trail, but where the Excelsior factory railroad spur use to connect to the main line. All four of these Excelsior motorcycles passed through here 98 to 102 years ago.

IMG_3875.JPG

606 trail facing East

Good luck on your trip and thank you for doing this! I feel inspired to work on my project and getting it out in the world.

Chris

[gharper]

Day 2 under our belt. Trailred to the site of the X factory today. Thanks Chris for holding a parking spot for us!!

Rain started as we loaded up. Lots of rain as we trailered to St John Indiana. After lunch it died down enough to get under way. 120 miles of great Indiana backroads. Rain gear on, off, on, off. Stewart had clutch problems again, this time the clutch hub nut came loose, shearing the key off. He loaded up and the 3 of us rode the rest of the loop, dodging rain storms. Our bikes are all running strong and we are managing the oil system, getting our adjustments dialed in, though Alex was gracious enough to seal someones asphalt driveway for them, dumping 8 + ounces of boiling oil into a plastic cup that promptly melted and spread all-over their nice driveway.!

Evening maintenance went well,xwe were able to sit and eat outside, no bugs, cool snd a nice breeze.

Crawfordsville to Elizabethtown tomorrow, 220 miles. Stewart has the 21 X together again zmd it founds hrest. Hope the clutch settles down!!
20220904_201717.jpg20220904_094412.jpg20220904_095023.jpg